Is my rear diff shot?

arf80 · 09-30-2008, 06:05 PM

My 02 Impreza has started making a loud "drone" coming from the rear of the car at highway speed (very similar to this thread). I had inflated my tires about a month ago, but after checking last night I was shocked to find that the front tires were lower PSI than the back, and one back tire was ~5 PSI higher than the other. After correcting the pressure, the noise remains. Is the diff shot? How much will it cost to fix, and is it safe to drive on? My commute is 100% highway driving.

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

jbwrx · 09-30-2008, 06:19 PM

You may also want to check the wheel bearings. Jack the rear of the car up and try to shake the wheels back and forth. If there is some play you may need to change them out.

To check if the rear diff is going, pull the lower drain plug on the diff. There is a magnet on it and generally there will be some nasty metal bits on it if the diff is going.

yeos · 09-30-2008, 06:33 PM

Sounds like a wheel bearing.

arf80 · 09-30-2008, 08:32 PM

Both rear wheels are super tight, no play whatsoever. I can't drain and refill the rear diff as I don't have a lift. Is a bad diff something you can drive on for a month or so, or is it in danger of seizing?

09-30-2008, 06:05 PM	#1
arf80 Scooby Newbie Member#: 125580 Join Date: Sep 2006 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: North NJ Vehicle: 2011 WRX 5dr OBP	Is my rear diff shot? My 02 Impreza has started making a loud "drone" coming from the rear of the car at highway speed (very similar to this thread). I had inflated my tires about a month ago, but after checking last night I was shocked to find that the front tires were lower PSI than the back, and one back tire was ~5 PSI higher than the other. After correcting the pressure, the noise remains. Is the diff shot? How much will it cost to fix, and is it safe to drive on? My commute is 100% highway driving. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Ok, What REALLY Is My Rear Diff Ratio? Tranny Gurus ONLY!	02CWRX	Transmission (AT/MT) & Driveline	31	08-28-2012 03:45 AM
Is my rear diff shot?	BKscooby	Newbies & FAQs	6	01-19-2010 10:36 AM
is my rear diff done?	jeraljay	Transmission (AT/MT) & Driveline	6	12-18-2008 05:14 PM
Is my rear diff going south?	WRX Bamboo Steamer	Transmission (AT/MT) & Driveline	5	03-17-2004 05:21 PM
what gearing is my rear diff?	supermoose	Subaru Conversions	1	09-04-2003 05:07 PM

09-30-2008, 06:19 PM	#2
jbwrx Scooby Specialist Member#: 86274 Join Date: May 2005 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Crofton, MD Vehicle: . Andrewtech Gold Club Member	You may also want to check the wheel bearings. Jack the rear of the car up and try to shake the wheels back and forth. If there is some play you may need to change them out. To check if the rear diff is going, pull the lower drain plug on the diff. There is a magnet on it and generally there will be some nasty metal bits on it if the diff is going.

09-30-2008, 06:33 PM	#3
yeos Scooby Specialist Member#: 133855 Join Date: Dec 2006 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Seattle Vehicle: 2009 STi SparkSilver Dom Tuned @ MPS	Sounds like a wheel bearing.

09-30-2008, 08:32 PM	#4
arf80 Scooby Newbie Member#: 125580 Join Date: Sep 2006 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: North NJ Vehicle: 2011 WRX 5dr OBP	Both rear wheels are super tight, no play whatsoever. I can't drain and refill the rear diff as I don't have a lift. Is a bad diff something you can drive on for a month or so, or is it in danger of seizing?